Homestay guest charged with security guard's murder in Ipoh

IPOH: The homestay guest at a condominium who assaulted a 64-year-old security guard in December last year, who later died in August has been charged with murder.

No plea was recorded from businessman Ahmad Noor Azhar Muhammad, 33, after the murder charge was read to him before Magistrate Noor Azreen Liana Mohd Darus on Thursday (Sept 9).

State Deputy Public Prosecutor director Azalina Rashdi requested for discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for the initial charge under Section 335 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt on grave and sudden provocation.

"I am requesting the court to withdraw the initial charge, and for the accused to be charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder," she said.

The accused was represented by lawyer Ariff Azami Hussein.

According to the charge sheet, Ahmad Noor on Dec 29, last year between 8am and 9.30am on the 7th floor of Menara Majestic on Jalan C.M Yusoff here had murdered security guard S. Thava Sagayam.

Ahmad Noor was on Jan 6 charged under Section 335, and after Thava died at his house on Aug 27, there was a public outcry asking the police to charge the suspect for murder.

The post-mortem finding stated that he died due to sepsis, which was caused by an infection in his lungs.

He had sustained injuries after he was assaulted by Ahmad Noor, and was brought to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in a semi-conscious state.

When met outside the court, the watching brief lawyer of the guard’s wife, M. Kulasegaran said they were satisfied that the accused had been charged for murder.

"Let the due process of the law take place, and we will assist the wife in any way possible.

"It is an unfortunate death, and justice must be served," he said.

His wife, E. Philomena did not speak to the media.

On Aug 30, Perak police chief Comm Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid had said that the police had suggested a heavier charge under Section 302 against the suspect to the Attorney General’s Chambers.

The case has been set for mention on Oct 18.